HC Deb 03 February 1943 vol 386 cc879-80
23. Sir William Wayland

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will consider amending the compensation for requisitioned motor-lorries and trailers, as at present a requisitioned vehicle is valued at an official low figure and a heavy outlay for a new vehicle is incurred by the original owner; and whether he will take the value of the replacement vehicle and discount from that figure the period of use which the old vehicle has served?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The payment to be made in compensation for a vehicle acquired under the Defence (General) Regulations is governed by the provisions of section 4 (7) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. I am advised that to pay compensation on the basis suggested by my hon. Friend would not be in accordance with these provisions.

Sir W. Wayland

Does the hon. Gentleman consider it better to retain an injustice than to try to remedy it?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I must apply the law. If the hon. Gentleman is suggesting an amendment of the law, that raises broad issues which would have to be dealt with by the Treasury.